Selling a junk or non-running Volvo 940

If your 940 has quit, been in a crash, or simply costs more to keep than it's worth, sell the whole car as it sits. We buy whole non-running and junk cars and offer free pickup anywhere in the US.

The 940 in brief

The 940 replaced the 240 and followed the 700 Series. Wikipedia places it on the P90 platform, with production from September 1990 to February 1998 and the engine mounted lengthwise to drive the rear wheels. The EPA lists the 940 for model years 1991 to 1995 in sedan and wagon form, under names such as 940 GLE 16-Valve, 940 SE and 940 Turbo.

Engines in the Wikipedia listing are four-cylinders: 2.0-liter 16-valve units with and without a turbo, and a 2.3-liter B230FT turbo. Gearboxes were a 4-speed Aisin AW30-43 automatic or a 5-speed Volvo M90 manual. Wikipedia also notes that once the 740 ended, the eight-valve engine moved into the 940.

Known problems by model year

1991-1992: launch years and two recalls

The 1991 has 11 complaints, led by seats and air bags with 3 each and the fuel system with 2. Three owners reported a fire on this year.

Two recalls cover the 1991:

• 91V010000. In hot weather, an overfilled 940 tank with a loose lock ring on the sending unit could let fuel seep from the top of the tank. Dealers retorqued the ring and replaced its gasket if needed. NHTSA notes the 940SE is the only 940 in this campaign. Its 19,286-vehicle count covers the whole campaign and may include other models.
• 91V075000. The labels showing how to route the front belts under a cross brace were inadequate, and a buckle could release. Dealers added labels and replaced the buckles. The campaign covered 485 vehicles.

The 1992 has 16 complaints, with air bags first at 5.

1993: a throttle recall

Complaints rise to 23, and vehicle speed control leads with 5. That lines up with the year's recall, 93V074000. Plastic hood insulation clips could fall into the hose between the charge air cooler and the throttle housing and interfere with the throttle. Dealers checked the hose and removed any clips. The campaign covered 1,864 vehicles, and other models may be in that count.

1994-1995: air bags dominate

No 940 year has more complaints than the 1994, with 41, of which 17 name air bags and 5 name speed control. The 1995 has 27, with air bags at 9 and tires at 5. These two years carry 21 of the 33 crash reports and 18 of the 24 injury reports.

Model-year table

Based on the 940 complaints in NHTSA's download of October 10, 2026. Late 940s normally would show fewer reports from fewer years driven, but every 940 is now more than 30 years old.

Overall, after air bags (38), owners named vehicle speed control (14), tires (11), the gasoline fuel system (7), the electrical system (5) and hydraulic brakes (4). No deaths are recorded.

Should you repair it?

1. Check the VIN for recalls at NHTSA's recall page, especially on a 1991 SE or any 1993.
2. Air bag light on, or bags already deployed? Read airbags deployed before you price a repair.
3. Turbo whistling, smoking or down on power? On a 940 Turbo, see failed turbo.
4. Wrecked? The 1994-1995 crash reports are a reminder that many of these cars end in a collision. Wrecked or totaled covers the choice.
5. Weigh the quote against the car. When the repair passes what a running 940 would sell for, repairs cost more than it is worth explains the math.

Selling a 940 in one piece

1. Gather the details: sedan or wagon, the trim on the badge (GLE, SE, Turbo), the VIN and the mileage.
2. Get an offer online, or call (877) 421-6008.
3. Say where the car is and how the truck reaches it: a carport, a narrow alley, a shop lot. Note if it rolls and steers.
4. Don't strip it. Keep the wheels, battery and converter on, and mention anything already missing.
5. Keep your ID and the 940 title handy when the driver arrives. Is the 940 titled to another person? Read car not in your name.

Comparing nearby Volvos? See the 960, the 240, or every Volvo model.